The opening weekend of the NFL is slated to begin three weeks from Sunday, and it's starting to look more and more like Gloucester native Dan Murray will be watching the games from home.

The 6-foot-5, 258-pound former University of Connecticut tight end was released by the Carolina Panthers on Monday after signing with the team as a rookie free agent Aug. 7.

Carolina has four tight ends on its roster, including fellow rookie Dante Rosario, a fifth-round draft pick from Oregon who saw time in the Panthers' 24-21 preseason victory over the Giants last Saturday. Rosario's presence may have factored into the release of Murray, who did not return phone calls yesterday for comment.

After going undrafted in the NFL draft April 29, Murray signed a three-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars hours after the draft concluded. Murray was then waived by the Jaguars just 29 days after signing his contract, but was able to keep his signing bonus.

An injury-plagued senior season caused Murray to miss seven games last fall. As a result, he was limited to 10 catches for 113 yards and a touchdown. His best collegiate season came as a sophomore in 2004 when Murray caught 28 balls for 396 yards and five touchdowns for an 8-4 UConn squad.

Murray, who turns 24 Saturday, is still considered a prospect, despite his early struggles to stay on an NFL roster. He displayed his potential in front of scouts at a UConn's pro day last spring.

Murray clocked the fastest time of any tight end prospect in the country in the NFL's standard agility drill (three cone L-drill, 6.78 seconds). He also posted a top 40-yard dash time of 4.75 and proved that he had the strength to go along with his intimidating stature by performing 22 repetitions of 225 pounds on the bench press.

Staff writer Steve Maniaci contributed to this report.